The creamy richness of this Chicken and Corn Chowder makes it an instant comfort food classic. Packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, and velvety broth, it’s a heartwarming meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall dinner or a simple weekday meal, this chowder is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Best served hot with crusty bread or warm biscuits, it’s a delightful way to feed your family with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon butter
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½ cup chopped onion
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2 cups chopped cooked chicken
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1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
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1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
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1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
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2 cups half-and-half
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Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in chopped chicken, corn, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup.
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Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and stir in half-and-half.
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Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a hearty meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Easy Chicken and Corn Chowder: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
When the weather turns chilly or you’re simply in the mood for something heartwarming and satisfying, there’s no better dish than a hot bowl of chicken and corn chowder. This recipe, beloved for its creamy texture and comforting flavor, is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile and filling. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family, hosting a casual gathering, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this chowder checks all the boxes.
What Makes Chicken and Corn Chowder So Special?
Chicken and corn chowder is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chunks of cooked chicken with the natural sweetness of corn and the richness of a cream-based broth. It’s a hearty soup that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Unlike some soups that leave you hungry an hour later, this chowder is thick, satisfying, and full of nutritious ingredients that will keep you full and content.
It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it a go-to recipe for meal preppers and busy families. The ingredients are humble—canned corn, chicken broth, onions, cream of chicken soup, half-and-half but when brought together, they form a deeply flavorful and comforting meal that feels anything but basic.
A Closer Look at the Key Ingredients
Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role, both in taste and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this chowder and why it matters:
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Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover) speeds up the prep time without sacrificing flavor. The chicken adds protein and substance to the chowder, making it a complete meal.
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Sweet Corn: Corn brings a gentle sweetness that balances the richness of the creamy base. You can use canned, fresh, or even frozen corn depending on the season.
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Onions: A simple sauté of onions in butter builds the foundation of flavor. As they cook, they become soft, aromatic, and slightly sweet.
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Cream of Chicken Soup: This is a great shortcut that provides both creaminess and savory depth. It blends seamlessly into the broth and helps thicken the chowder.
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Chicken Broth: The backbone of any good soup. It deepens the overall flavor and ties all the ingredients together.
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Half-and-Half: For that velvety mouthfeel. It enriches the soup without making it overly heavy.
Customizations and Add-ins
The beauty of this chowder lies in its flexibility. It’s incredibly adaptable to whatever you have on hand, and you can easily tweak it to suit dietary needs, personal preferences, or what’s available in your kitchen.
Here are some ideas to customize this recipe:
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Add Potatoes: Diced potatoes are a classic addition and make the soup even heartier. Just boil them in the broth before adding cream and chicken.
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Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce some heat.
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Cheesy Variation: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a gooey, cheesy twist.
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Veggie Boost: Add chopped celery, bell peppers, or even spinach to increase the vegetable content.
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Herbs and Spices: Thyme, parsley, and a bay leaf can all be added to deepen the flavor profile.
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Dairy-Free Option: Swap the half-and-half with coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer and use a dairy-free soup base.
Nutritional Benefits
This chowder might taste indulgent, but it also offers several nutritional benefits especially if you make a few smart modifications.
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Protein-Rich: Thanks to the chicken, this chowder is a good source of lean protein.
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Fiber Content: Corn provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes fullness.
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Calcium and Vitamins: The cream base (and optional cheese) contributes to calcium intake, while corn adds B vitamins and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
If you’re mindful of your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and soup, and be cautious with added salt.
What to Serve With Chicken and Corn Chowder
This chowder is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a truly satisfying meal. Here are some excellent serving ideas:
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Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of creamy broth.
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Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the chowder.
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Cornbread: Play up the corn flavor with a side of soft, buttery cornbread.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: If you’re going all out, a golden grilled cheese makes for a nostalgic and ultra-comforting pairing.
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Crackers or Croutons: Add crunch with some salted crackers or homemade croutons on top.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chicken and corn chowder is ideal for making in advance and storing for later. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
To Store: Cool the chowder completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To Freeze: While creamy soups don’t always freeze perfectly due to separation, you can freeze this chowder in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Stir well while reheating to bring it back to its original texture.
To Reheat: Warm gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Time is precious, especially during the workweek. That’s why quick, low-effort meals like this one are a must-have in your recipe rotation. From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes and requires only one pot, which means minimal cleanup.
Using pre-cooked chicken is a major time-saver, and canned ingredients streamline the entire process. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort but it didn’t.
It’s also a crowd-pleaser. Picky eaters, kids, and even soup skeptics tend to love the smooth, creamy consistency and familiar flavors of chicken and corn. You can double the recipe easily if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken and Corn Chowder is everything a good comfort food should be: creamy, hearty, satisfying, and simple to make. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to cold days, joy to tired cooks, and a sense of nostalgia to the dinner table. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with add-ins and variations, this chowder will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.
So the next time you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, reach for this quick and flavorful chicken and corn chowder recipe. It’s a reliable go-to, whether you need a cozy meal for one or a family-friendly favorite that everyone will love.